The Covid Seatbelt Solution

OK. Let's agree. Wearing a seatbelt in a vehicle does not stop you from having an accident. Nor does it stop you from dying. But for the vast majority of accidents, you have a better chance of surviving if you are wearing a seatbelt. And, if you have an accident, it is likely you will be less injured.

Wearing a seatbelt is part of your "safety first" way of staying alive. You still have to look where you are going, watch out for the other (crazy) drivers, avoid being completely drunk on alcohol or high on drugs. You still have to take care.

"But", I hear you saying, "Everyone is going to die one day."

True. But don't just think of yourself. Think of your family, your friends, and your community. And think of people in the other vehicle. And think of their family, their friends, and their community.

So, on balance, let's just agree wearing a seat belt while in a vehicle is probably a good thing.

This brings us to Covid.

Being vaccinated does not stop you from catching Covid. It does not stop you from passing it on. It does not even stop you from dying. But for the vast majority of people, it reduces how badly you get Covid. It reduces the risk of you passing it on. It reduces the risk of dying.

Now reread the first bit, changing the word "seatbelt" for the word "vaccination".

You still need to wear a mask. You still need to stay away from other people if possible. You still need to wash your hands.

Why bother? Well… it is very simple. Here is the data as of Thursday 30th September 2021.

The top black line shows the total number of people who have tested positive in Dominica during the last two months. And the lower line, hopefully in red, shows the number of people, multiplied by 150 so that you can compare the graphs, who have died of Covid in Dominica.

As you can see, about 3,500 have tested positive and 20 have died. And the rate people are dying is going up. Dramatically. And unless we do something now, these figures will continue to climb. We are heading for 10,000 people testing positive and 100 dead Dominicans before Christmas.

In addition, there is zero chance of tourism recovering if we don't get this Covid outbreak under control. This brings us back to the vaccine…

Yes of course there are risks associated with taking any medicine but I've never met a man who doesn't want to try Viagra or a lady who is interested in the Pill. Both these have risks. But the advantages outweigh the risks.

The same is true for the vaccine. Yes, there are risks. But these risks are microscopic compared to the benefits.

So… please think again about the vaccine. Not just for your health but for your family, your friends, and your community.

Peter Dick